From the author of

From the author of

Making Better iMovies

By Jeff Carlson, author of iMovie 2: Visual QuickStart Guide

Until recently, if you wanted to edit video you'd need a room full of specialized
equipment. But now most of the tools you need are probably sitting right in
your Applications folder. That's because Apple's iMovie software, which is included
on most newer-model Apple computers, lets you import video footage and edit
it into an enjoyable, professional-looking movie without a lot of hassle.

If you're just getting your feet wet with digital video, this article contains
some helpful shooting and editing tips I picked up while writing my book iMovie
2 for Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide. For information on the basics
of digital video and what to look for when buying a digital camcorder, see my
other article, Getting Your Feet Wet: Buying a
Camcorder.

A Stable Working Relationship

Most people equate video footage with the jittery movement of home movies
or cop shows on TV. Except in rare circumstances, that look isn't a matter of
style: The diminutive size and weight of most camcorders makes it hard to hold
them steady while you're filming.

While mounting the camera on a tripod is your best bet for keeping the camera
still, a tripod can be cumbersome to carry and set up for each shot. An alternative
is to tuck your elbows into your sides and hold the camera steady with both
hands. You also can use a feature found on most cameras called digital-image
stabilization to cut down on that shaky look and feel. But keep in mind that
this feature does a good job of compensating only for small variations in camera
movement--you can't rely on it if you're shooting on a steady diet of candy
bars and triple espressos.